Gammil, APQS and HQ all have videos on the internet that cover everything from loading a quilt to simple maintenance. Then, when you get comfortable with your LA, there are lots of people on Youtube showing how to do various designs. My favorites overall are the APQS videos on Youtube - they have a bunch - and Judy Madsen (Green Fairy). Then, like a lot of people said, practice on charity quilts or inexpensive quilts tops you find at yard sales. Once you overcome your fear of the LA (and after all, it's just a big sewing machine), you'll have fun with it.